3 Red Flags It’s Time For a Quarter-Life Change

Growing up is scary, but if maturity starts when you stop the excuses and start making changes, then it’s time to start looking for the red flags that a major change should be on your horizon. Whether it’s a relationship, job, or location, if you need a change, your life will let you know, you just have to look for the signs.

Have you ever looked back on an experience – sticking it out in a crumbling relationship, taking a lower salary than you know you’re worth, refusing to leave your hometown for fear of the unknown – and thought, “What took me so long?” Recognizing these three warning signs will help you get off the sinking ship a little faster next time.

You Can’t Escape The Crazy

Take inventory of your surroundings (literally – your coworkers, neighbors, coffee shop). Have you become so used to a toxic environment that you don’t even recognize it anymore? If you constantly feel that you’re swimming upstream to escape one crazy situation just to land in another, it’s time for a change.

For clarification, we’re not suggesting you hand in your two week notice today. The majority of life’s circumstances are worth evaluating and attempting to repair…once. But when you can’t escape the toxicity of your circumstances – change your circumstances.

Your Direction Is Different Than Your Desire

If your current path isn’t leading you in the direction of success to accomplish your life goals, it’s time to find a new path. Leaving a well-paying or comfortable job can be scary, but if your career and personal goals are in a different direction than what you do on a daily basis, it’s time to make a change and live with intent.

Disconnecting from a comfortable work environment will take sacrifice – money, comfort, Friday morning donuts in the break room – but the longer you stay, the harder it will be to break free.

The Struggle Is Internal

When you can’t decide what to change or if you need to change anything, start with yourself. Before you jump into an external shift, evaluate what’s going on internally. The goal is to avoid walking right back into the same chaotic or comfortable position you’re attempting to escape.

Here’s when you know it’s time for a mental shift: You live in the “If only” mindset, and never enjoy the current season of your life.

“If only I could get this promotion.”

“If only I were in a better relationship.”

Even with the promotion and an awesome new partner, if you continue to be miserable, it should be obvious that the change needs to come from within. What do you need to face? Overcome? Or admit? Until you’re able to achieve an inner calm, the pay raises, Instagram likes, and world’s greatest significant other will never be enough to establish a genuine happiness.